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Archant inquiry

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The Competition Commission has outlined the issues to be considered in its inquiry into the proposed acquisition by Archant of 27 weekly newspapers published in and around London by Independent News & Media.

In an “issue statement”, the commission said it will be seeking to establish whether there will be a substantial lessening of competition as a result of the acquisition.

It said that it will assess the competitive effects of the merger; define a relative market or markets; compare future effects with what would have been likely to have occurred had the merger not taken place; and consider any customer benefits that might arise from the merger.

The statement will form the basis of a hearing with Archant. The commission is required to publish its report by 13 October.